HOS-related ricin threat brings reward offer

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has offered a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to an arrest of those responsible for leaving a package containing the deadly poison ricin at a post office in October. The package was accompanied by a note threatening large-scale attacks if the new hours-of-service (HOS) rulesÑwhich took effect January 4Ñwere implemented.

This representation of the language contained in the threat letter was released by the FBI:

To the Department of Transportation: I'm a fleet owner of a tanker company.

I have easy access to castor pulp. If my demand is dismissed, I'm capable of making ricin.

My demand is simple: Jan 4, 2004, starts the new hours-of-service for trucks, which include a ridiculous 10 hours in the sleeper berth. Keep at eight, or I will start dumping.

You have been warned. This is the only letter that will be sent by me.

Fallen Angel

The letter and package were found October 15 at the Greenville-Spartanburg (SC) International Airport postal facility. Anyone with information is requested to phone this tip line: 866-839-6241.